A CARING Pershore volunteer driver has been honoured with a top county award.
Derrick Potter, who gives up his time to help Pershore Volunteer Centre was among a trio of kind-hearted volunteers who were honoured by Worcestershire County Council with a Black Pear Tree Award.
The awards, which come under the World Class Worcestershire campaign, saw the volunteers given a Black Pear tree situated within the grounds of County Hall.
The Black Pear tree is the symbol of Worcestershire and has been since the 1600’s when Queen Elizabeth 1st commanded the fruit be place on Worcestershire’s flag.
During the ceremony, the volunteers were commended for their ongoing commitment and work ethic which as a result has seen local communities benefit for the better.
All three volunteers represented Worcestershire’s army of local volunteers who provide unwavering duty and community spirit to help others.
“I enjoy being a volunteer and of use to people. Volunteering is a lovely way to put something back into the community,” Derrick said.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, councillor with responsibility for Communities said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the presentation of the Black Pear tree to such well deserving charities.
“Community Transport is vital to every local community and it was a pleasure to acknowledge the work of the Pershore Centre.”
National Volunteer Week which ran from June 1 to June 7 is a dedicated week of activity and promotion headed up by the organisers, The National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
So far the Black Pear Tree Award has gifted seven pear trees to worthy recipients including Rio Olympian Alex Gregory, Paralympians Lauren Rowles, Clare Cashmore, Rebecca Redfern, the Men’s GB Wheelchair Basketball Team and two of the remaining Canary Girls, who worked at the local munition factory in Blackpole, Worcester.
